Tomato & Marinara

Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers

Name: Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spaghetti; 1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausage; 2 large bell peppers, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes; 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

By Liana Underhill · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had spaghetti with sausage and peppers at my grandmother's house. It was a cold winter evening, and the aroma of sizzling sausage and peppers filled the entire kitchen. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had made this dish from scratch, and it was love at first bite. The combination of juicy sausage, tender peppers, and perfectly cooked spaghetti was a match made in heaven.

As I grew older, I learned to make this dish myself, and it has become a staple in my household. It's a comforting, easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part is that it can be made with just a few ingredients, most of which are probably already in your pantry.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make spaghetti with sausage and peppers from scratch. We'll start with the basics, including how to cook the perfect spaghetti, and then move on to the sausage and pepper sauce. By the end of this recipe, you'll have a delicious, homemade Italian-American pasta dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.

This recipe is special because it's a classic Italian-American dish that has been passed down through generations. It's a hearty, comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter's night, and it's also a great way to use up any leftover sausage or peppers you may have in your fridge.

I make this recipe often, especially during the winter months when I need a warm, comforting meal to come home to. It's also a great dish to make for a crowd, as it can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of people you're serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a comforting, hearty meal that is perfect for a cold winter's night.
The sausage and pepper sauce is flavorful and can be made ahead of time.
This recipe is great for a crowd, as it can be easily scaled up or down.
It's a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great spaghetti with sausage and peppers is to cook the spaghetti perfectly. This means cooking it until it's al dente, which is slightly firm in the center. If you overcook the spaghetti, it will become mushy and unappetizing.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the sausage and pepper sauce. This sauce is made by cooking the sausage and peppers in a large skillet, and then adding in some canned tomatoes and tomato paste. The resulting sauce is thick, flavorful, and perfect for coating the spaghetti.

The final step in making this recipe is to combine the cooked spaghetti and sausage and pepper sauce. This is done by adding the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, and then tossing everything together until the spaghetti is well coated.

Overall, this recipe works because it's a classic combination of flavors and textures that is hard to beat. The spicy sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet peppers, and the tangy tomato sauce adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including spaghetti, sausage, peppers, onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality sausage and peppers. The sausage should be spicy and flavorful, and the peppers should be sweet and tender.

1 lb (450g) spaghettiChoose a high-quality spaghetti that is made from durum wheat semolina. This type of spaghetti will hold its shape well and have a nice texture.
1 lb (450g) sweet Italian sausageLook for sausage that is made with pork and has a good balance of spices. You can also use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier dish.
2 large bell peppers, slicedAny color bell pepper will work, but red or yellow peppers will add a pop of color to the dish.
1 large onion, slicedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoesChoose a high-quality canned tomato that is made from fresh, ripe tomatoes.
1 cup (235ml) chicken brothYou can use low-sodium chicken broth if you're watching your salt intake.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that is made from fresh, ripe olives.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilUse fresh basil if you have it, but dried basil will work well too.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoChoose a high-quality dried oregano that is made from fresh, ripe oregano.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseChoose a high-quality Parmesan cheese that is made from fresh, ripe milk.

Ingredients for Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokLarge pot for boiling spaghettiColander for draining spaghettiSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they're translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the sliced peppers to the skillet and cook until they're tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4
Add the sweet Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the canned crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
8
Transfer the spaghetti and sauce to a serving platter or individual plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
9
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Serve the spaghetti with sausage and peppers hot, garnished with additional basil or parsley if desired.
11
Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers for later use. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the sauce seems too thick.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add some reserved pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick, as this will help to create a creamy, well-coated spaghetti.
Use a variety of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, and green, for a colorful and flavorful dish.
Serve the spaghetti with sausage and peppers with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different types of sausage, such as hot Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a spicy kick.
Add some diced tomatoes or chopped fresh parsley to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the spaghetti, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not simmering the sauce for long enough, which can result in a thin, flavorless sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick and sticky.
Not letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, which can allow the flavors to meld together.
Not serving the dish hot, which can make it unappetizing and uninviting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced ham or bacon to the sauce for a smoky, savory flavor.
Use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a change of pace.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for added flavor.
Use a variety of bell peppers, such as red, yellow, and green, for a colorful and flavorful dish.
Serve the spaghetti with sausage and peppers with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different types of sausage, such as hot Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a spicy kick.
Add some diced tomatoes or chopped fresh parsley to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

What to Serve With Spaghetti With Sausage And Peppers

Serve the spaghetti with sausage and peppers hot, garnished with additional basil or parsley if desired. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Crusty breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled chicken or steak

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the sauce seems too thick.

When reheating the dish, make sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming, as this will help to kill any bacteria that may have formed. You can also add some fresh herbs or grated cheese to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Some tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use?

You can use sweet Italian sausage or hot Italian sausage, depending on your personal preference. Other types of sausage, such as Chorizo or Knockwurst, can also be used.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, for a change of pace. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long can I store this dish?

You can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat it until it's hot and steaming before serving.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced ham or bacon, chopped fresh herbs, or grated cheese. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What's the best way to reheat this dish?

You can reheat this dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water if the sauce seems too thick. Just be sure to heat it until it's hot and steaming before serving.

Can I serve this dish with other sides?

Yes, you can serve this dish with other sides, such as a green salad or crusty bread. Just be sure to choose sides that complement the flavors of the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

This dish can be spicy, depending on the type of sausage you use. If you're concerned about the heat level, you can use sweet Italian sausage or omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just be sure to refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve, and reheat it until it's hot and steaming before serving.

The Full Recipe

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